BMW i3 is an all-electric game-changer

German automotive giant BMW have unveiled their first ever all-electric car — the BMW i3.

The i3 will go on sale in the USA from April 2014, and will cost upwards of $41,350. It features a body made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic which is as half the weight of steel but just as strong. It is also 30 per cent lighter than aluminium.

Because of the low weight, a smaller, battery can be used than is usual in electric cars, and because that saves even more weight the driving range is increased.

The BMW i3 will be able to travel 80 to 100 miles on a single charge. The average driver travels around 30 miles a day.

The battery in the standard car takes three hours to recharge, but with a Fast Charging optional extra tit can be charged in just 30 minutes. A special app for your smartphone will tell you from afar how much the car has been charged.

The BMW i3 is made sustainably...

Almost everything, including the bodywork and even the owner’s manual is made from sustainably-sourced renewable materials.

The chassis and battery compartments are made of aluminium. And the interior is also much more roomy than a normal small car because there’s no need for a transmission tunnel running along the floor.

Despite being completely electric, the BMW i3’s engine is still reasonably powerful — producing 170hp with a top speed of 93mph, which is limited to preserver battery efficiency. It can do 0-60mph in approximately seven seconds.

It has an ultra-tight turning circle meaning it is perfect for driving in urban areas.

Inside the BMW i3...

There are three interior trim options for the BMW i3, known as Mega, Giga and Tera. The Mega version is standard in the US and comes with 19in alloy wheels, navigation system, cellphone speaker system, alarm, cloth interior and LED lights.

Giga is pretty much the same apart from you get upgraded wheels and leather and wool interior. Tera comes with even better wheels and full leather interior.

A fuel-powered generator can be added at an extra cost to increase the range of the vehicle, aimed at people who would be nervous about running out of charge on journeys.

The standard BMW i3 will start at $41,350, while the Range Extender model will cost $54,200.